I know I just linked to the post from when Zach was in Haiti, but I just have to go back to it again today. For those of you who have prayed, who have given financially – thank you. It’s not for me, it has nothing to do with me, but I still want to say thank you. {All photos in this post are from one of the NTMA pilots’ wives. She sent them out on facebook and I soaked up getting to “see” my brother in action. She graciously gave me permission to ‘steal’ her photos from fb and post them here.}

{Yes, that is water on either side of the cement. In another photo you can see the other side of the heli, on the cement, is a whole bunch of people standing there looking. I don’t know anything about this photo — other than it is not a very big spot to land!}

My brother is in a position where he is the last link – he is delivering food to areas so remote they’re not expecting or looking for help. In the bigger cities it seems there were too many safety concerns and the smaller crews weren’t allowed to land.

{The above photo shows the three NTMA aircraft – two small planes able to land on smaller strips, and the helicopter. What you can’t see is the heat & humidity. I’m guessing this isn’t a cool summer day.}

I’m not sure what all has gone on, but I do know there was an NTMA helicopter and their 2 small planes ready with willing NTMA pilots – they are partnered with MAF and maybe others. Zach has flown officials around to photograph and scope out damages, road accessibility and all kinds of other things they have to check out. He is now flying in supplies. Nearly four years ago in Haiti he said:

“I love what I’m doing. … no flying will ever be the same again.”

Since the days in Haiti when he wrote those notes, he finished his training and has been basically living in the Philippines ever since. He has had the opportunity to be used by God to get many people to medical care, bringing the missionaries their food, and any number of other life essential flights. He has never tired of his “job” – he sees it as a blessing, not a job. He is loving what he is doing. He is made for this work.

As I told you last week, he is flew the helicopter down to Cebu. I’m not sure where they are actually based right now – they moved around after scoping out the damage and seeing where the needs were. Here is the note he sent out this morning:

…I got to fly into several different places that have been overlooked as far as aid. It’s really interesting to watch people’s faces, at first they can’t figure what a helicopter is doing landing on their beach and then they see me taking bags off and they start to smile. You also can see that some people are completely shocked that someone actually cares they just stand there with a look of wonder. The most satisfying experience of this whole time so far is a guy that came up to me shook my hand but would not let go and stood there looking at me while his eyes filled with tears and he just said thank you over and over. That one moment was easily worth all the work of the past week. As I flew home I realized how unfair it is that I get to experience that just because I am the last link in a incredibly long chain of people that have made this happen. I wanted to share it in hopes that it is really encouraging to all the people that are working so hard but don’t get the privilege to see the end result. I’m grateful that God is allowing us the privilege of serving this way.

May I take the liberty to dissect this as I see it for a bit?

• More than a week later and there are areas still being overlooked for getting aid. This absolutely breaks my heart. All those moms and dads trying to answer questions of their little ones. I don’t doubt many are clinging to Jesus in this time, I’m praying they will be able to find a personal relationship with Him through this catastrophe. While so many believe there is a God and “plaster” God stuff all over their vehicles/businesses – it was a mix of lots of beliefs and mostly ruled by God being a good omen, not a personal relationship with Him.
• Some of these people have probably never seen a helicopter before. I’m totally guessing here – but that is the kind of remote area some of these places are.
• These are not people expecting help. They’re used to hardship and making the best of hard situations. It isn’t until they see my brother unloading supplies they start to realize what is going on.
• Some are so shocked by the help they aren’t able to express anything. “…they just stand there with a look of wonder.”

Even with all Zach has experienced and seen he says, “The most satisfying experience of this whole time so far is a guy that came up to me shook my hand but would not let go and stood there looking at me while his eyes filled with tears and he just said thank you over and over.”  I love my brother greatly, I am constantly praying for his health, safety, and wisdom. What brought tears overflowing this morning was this:

As I flew home I realized how unfair it is that I get to experience that just because I am the last link in a incredibly long chain of people that have made this happen. I wanted to share it in hopes that it is really encouraging to all the people that are working so hard but don’t get the privilege to see the end result. I’m grateful that God is allowing us the privilege of serving this way.

In the midst of being part of these huge answers to prayer, this serving like most will never experience – he thinks about it not being fair he gets to experience all the people’s thankfulness. So few working in the relief effort will see the quieter places with few workers. He does. and he realizes it is rare.

If you have given in prayer or financially (many small gifts make a big impact) to the relief in the Philippines – then, my brother is referring to you. He is doing what God made him to do, he is making living art, helping to show Christ’s love because someone cared enough to give a donation, or is continually praying for the health, safety, and wisdom of the relief workers. Please – continue to pray. There is still so much devastation.

{my brother with Philippine hills in the background. This helmet is amazing – it is so bright and gets so hot in the R44. I am happy he has this to help him be comfortable. He spends lots of hours in the heli bubble. His funny in the note said, “My biggest problem is sunburn and keeping the white sand out of the carpet of the helicopter.” 😀 Love his sense of humor in times when you just need to embrace life and all it is throwing at you.}

Right now, today, I am embracing the wonder of time on earth. Even with its hardships. I have been reading A million little ways by Emily Freeman, with the Bloom book club. Amazing. Mind boggling good.

While I think on the wonder of time on earth, I am praying. Lots. My family is spread thin right now – I have family in two locations in the Philippines, two locations in Alaska, actually two states too. My two brothers are flying in what I would call extreme opposites – one in remote areas of the Philippines in a helicopter, and one is up the highway flying in the Alaskan bush in a super cub; my two sisters-in-law are lovingly supporting their husbands (my brothers) in their dreams/livelihood, while being on their own with the kids; then my parents are in Texas. My dad has surgery in the morning (Wed, just a few hours from now); Lord willing, he’ll be released Thurs morning; then they fly to Juneau to pick up a vehicle and drive it home. If all goes well and is uneventful, they should be here next Tuesday. We are expecting, Lord willing, to have all of us (minus Zach & Jane in the Philippines) in one location for Thanksgiving. and Lord willing, next year ALL of us will be here for Thanksgiving. The wonder of time on earth. I am working on embracing God’s goodness. All these experiences ARE His goodness, His faithfulness. His good and unique design played out in each one of us.